What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia
In completing the FAFSA for the 2007-2008 year I marked that I had not completed my first degree in error. I attended an education institution within the University System of Georgia in which I took Certification courses through the Human Services Dept. for credit toward licensure as a CAC II (Certified Addiction Counselor). I attended from Fall term 2007 and completed the coursework in the Summer 2008 semester. After completing this coursework I received a letter stating that I had stated I had not completed my first degree and I owed this institution the money they disbursed to me during my enrollment. I immediately reviewed my FAFSA online and saw my error, corrected it, and emailed the Financial Aid Director. I received no response until a few weeks ago I received a letter stating they would take legal action against me. I phoned a representation of FAFSA and was instructed to write the institution and ask for any/all paperwork necessary to file an appeal. I did just that and today received a certified letter that I would not be permitted the opportunity to appeal. I did mark the FAFSA form incorrectly, but when I went in for Financial Aid advising I was told that since these courses were certification courses and needed for licensure I would be eligible. At the time of the counseling no one knew I had made an error. The financial aid advisor and I had a lengthy conversation and she was aware that I had just recently graduated(May 2007) with my BA/Psychology. I qualify for the Pell Grant for financial reasons. Do I have any recourse? Why wouldn't such a mistake take 11 months to show up. This institution had my official transcript from the institution I graduated from in the Registrar's office. Please advise.
In completing the FAFSA for the 2007-2008 year I marked that I had not completed my first degree in error. I attended an education institution within the University System of Georgia in which I took Certification courses through the Human Services Dept. for credit toward licensure as a CAC II (Certified Addiction Counselor). I attended from Fall term 2007 and completed the coursework in the Summer 2008 semester. After completing this coursework I received a letter stating that I had stated I had not completed my first degree and I owed this institution the money they disbursed to me during my enrollment. I immediately reviewed my FAFSA online and saw my error, corrected it, and emailed the Financial Aid Director. I received no response until a few weeks ago I received a letter stating they would take legal action against me. I phoned a representation of FAFSA and was instructed to write the institution and ask for any/all paperwork necessary to file an appeal. I did just that and today received a certified letter that I would not be permitted the opportunity to appeal. I did mark the FAFSA form incorrectly, but when I went in for Financial Aid advising I was told that since these courses were certification courses and needed for licensure I would be eligible. At the time of the counseling no one knew I had made an error. The financial aid advisor and I had a lengthy conversation and she was aware that I had just recently graduated(May 2007) with my BA/Psychology. I qualify for the Pell Grant for financial reasons. Do I have any recourse? Why wouldn't such a mistake take 11 months to show up. This institution had my official transcript from the institution I graduated from in the Registrar's office. Please advise.